Vice President Pence, in the midst of a 10-day Asia trip, made an unannounced visit to the DMZ zonebetween North and South Korea as tensions between the U.S. and North Korea escalate. For too many years North Korea and their dictators have been allowed to get away with far too much and increase their nuclear capabilities. There is a new sheriff in town and a much different attitude in how to deal with North Korea. The VP stated with regards to North Korea, “the era of strategic patience is over.”

He said the relationship with South Korea is “ironclad and immutable” and reiterated the “resolve of the people of the United States and the President of the United States” to achieve security “through peaceable means, through negotiations.

“But all options are on the table as we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of South Korea for denuclearization of this peninsula and for the long term prosperity and freedom of the people of South Korea,” he added.

He said he was hopes China would help solve the problem, adding, “we look for them to do more.”

“The message of the people of the United States of America is that we seek peace, but America has always sought peace through strength.”

Asked for a message to the people of North Korea, Pence said:

“The people of North Korea, the military of North Korea should not mistake the resolve of the United States of America to stand with our allies. The alliance between South Korea and the United States is ironclad.”

The vice president added that “the era of strategic patience is over.”